Princess Ferial Al Rashid testifies in London jewelry theft trial

Princess Ferial Al Rashid of Jordan has testified at Southwark Crown Court in London regarding the theft of her valuable jewelry collection from her home in Belgravia. The Princess discovered the theft in November 2020 after being informed by a jeweler that her unique, custom-made ruby and diamond engagement ring appeared on the cover of a Canterbury Auction Galleries catalog.

Upon reviewing previous auction catalogs, the Princess identified several other stolen items being sold, often at prices significantly lower than their true value. Evidence presented to the court included purchase invoices and photographs of the Princess wearing the pieces. One set of enamel and gemstone earrings, originally purchased from Sotheby’s in 2011 for £28,750, was reportedly sold at auction in 2020 for only £400.

Prosecutors have charged the Princess’s former housekeeper, 71-year-old Maria Vergina Taborda Hinau, with the thefts. The prosecution also alleges that her nephew, Julian Ramirez, acted as a primary channel for selling the stolen goods. The defendant has denied the charges, and the trial is ongoing.